What about the Parable of the Prodigal Son?

Over the life of this blog, I have had three goals in mind with the content of the posts. The first goal has been to help Christian believers to have information available to help them to relate to the culture with more of an evangelistic perspective. Goal 2 has been to help seekers overcome some intellectual or philosophical defeaters that are preventing them from belief. The third goal has been to help those who used to be involved in church life and following Jesus who have drifted away from God for various reasons.

For this installment, I would like to focus on the third group, the prodigals. I think that many of these folks do not view themselves as prodigals. They more likely think that church life just didn’t work for them, or that science is more plausible than faith in God so they just don’t believe any more.

They don't realize that they are living in the mud.

It is important to note that Jesus spoke specifically about these folks in the parable of the prodigal son. His message is very applicable to our own culture today. There are so many prodigals out there. My heart’s desire is to help for some to come to their senses and return to God’s covering and rediscovering purpose and true meaning in life.

Here is what Jesus had to say concerning the matter.

The Parable of the Lost Son

11 Jesus continued: “There was a man who had two sons. 12 The younger one said to his father, ‘Father, give me my share of the estate.’ So he divided his property between them.13 “Not long after that, the younger son got together all he had, set off for a distant country and there squandered his wealth in wild living.14 After he had spent everything, there was a severe famine in that whole country, and he began to be in need. 15 So he went and hired himself out to a citizen of that country, who sent him to his fields to feed pigs. 16 He longed to fill his stomach with the pods that the pigs were eating, but no one gave him anything.

17 “When he came to his senses, he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired servants have food to spare, and here I am starving to death! 18 I will set out and go back to my father and say to him: Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. 19 I am no longer worthy to be called your son; make me like one of your hired servants.’ 20 So he got up and went to his father.

“But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him.21 “The son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’22 “But the father said to his servants, ‘Quick! Bring the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. 23 Bring the fattened calf and kill it. Let’s have a feast and celebrate. 24 For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’ So they began to celebrate. Luke Chapter 15:

The message in this parable is very clear about the attitude and commitment of the father. He responds with great love and generosity towards his son, who realized how bankrupt his life had become. Likewise, the prodigals of today are in a similar situation with no ultimate hope or meaning for life apart from God. He wants you back and is willing to run to meet you on your way back home where you belong.

You may think it impossible but it’s not that hard to do, come to your senses and return to your father’s house. Experience the power of God's grace and forgiveness.

There is more to the story about the older brother, but we will save that for another time.

Links:

The Prodigal God by Tim Keller (Its available at Lebanon Public Library.)